Soldier killed in van crash identified

Saturday, February 8, 2014

LAKEWOOD, Wash. (AP) — The Washington State Patrol has identified a soldier who died after a van carrying 10 soldiers from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Joint Base Lewis-McChord crashed on Interstate 5 in Lakewood, Wash.

The patrol says 28-year-old Reymon B. Tolentino of Niles, Ill., died at a hospital after the crash Thursday.

The State Patrol said another soldier was seriously injured.

The Tacoma News Tribune reports the Army said the purpose of the trip was to return soldiers with the 7th Infantry Division to the base, following a recent deployment to Afghanistan.

The cause of the crash is under investigation. Trooper Guy Gill said the civilian driver lost control of the 24-seat vehicle and hit a concrete barrier, knocking over a light pole.